Cardiff Blues boss Dai Young has confirmed that they have made a "strong bid" to bring Gloucester No.8 Gareth Delve to the region next season.

Delve, born in Cardiff, started Wales' last Six Nations Test against France and would be a replacement for the Ulster-bound Xavier Rush. Delve has also been linked in the press with a possible move to the newly-formed Melbourne Rebels Super 15 franchise and has not ruled out staying with Gloucester.

"We would love Gareth to sign for the Blues and we've made him a strong offer," Young told The Western Mail. "We feel it's a good option for Gareth, but he won't be rushed into anything. If he has Wales aspirations he would surely be better off with us. A big factor in his decision may be down to whether he wants to play for Wales. "If he goes to Melbourne that could be difficult."

Saracens have been dealt an injury blow with the news that tight-head prop Tom Mercey has been ruled out for the rest of the season. The England Saxons squad member suffered a torn pectoral muscle in their Anglo-Welsh Cup semi-final loss to Northampton Saints on Sunday.

The Brumbies have signed promising tight-head Dan Palmer from Super 14 rivals the Waratahs. Palmer, 21, joins on a two-season deal and is a former Australia Under-20 international.

"Dan is one of the highest regarded front row prospects in the country at the moment," Brumbies coach Andy Friend said. "Even at 21, he's already one of the best technical props in Australia and if he continues to develop his current rate then there's no question he'll realise his potential.

"While he's only had limited Super 14 game time, he's already shown that even at such a young age in prop years, he's very capable at mixing it with the best."

Kane Douglas has signed a new deal with the Waratahs until 2012. The Super 14 rookie was a surprise inclusion in the Tahs' first matchday squad of the season against the Reds and has since started their last four games.